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Pre-European Indigenous Australian population was much larger than previously thought and decimated after arrival of First Fleet

A new study calculates the pre-colonial Indigenous population was up to 2.22 million, significantly higher than previous estimates. The research also estimates 2.06 million excess deaths between 1788 and 1861, highlighting the devastating impacts of colonization.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2026

New World Health Summit Academic Alliance-Lancet commission to strengthen academic responsibility and trust in science

The commission, composed of 30 global experts, aims to assess and strengthen the value of academic institutions to society, build public trust, and support their contributions to society. The group will analyze foundation and implications of academic responsibility and provide actionable recommendations.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 14, 2026

Anti-immigrant ‘public charge’ policy may have contributed to rise in HIV among Hispanic ropulations

A new study found a 16.8-percent increase in HIV cases among Hispanic populations in antisanctuary counties compared to baseline counties. The researchers attributed this increase to the 2018 announcement of changes to the public charge rule, which penalized immigrants for using public benefit programs.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2026

Too hot to handle? Study explores how heat is reshaping US population shifts

A new study from Florida Atlantic University challenges the narrative that rising temperatures will drive Americans away, finding that heat alone isn't driving large-scale out-migration. Instead, population shifts are shaped more by economic opportunity, housing affordability and local quality of life than climate conditions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2026

AI innovation missing the mark for local communities

A new report by the University of Warwick finds that artificial intelligence is being developed primarily for efficiency and service improvements, rather than benefits for local communities. The report calls for greater public participation in AI policy design to ensure technologies deliver tangible benefits where they are needed most.

High symbolism, high stakes mark historic 1st meeting of new biodiversity body dedicated to elevating the role and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities

The Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions of the Convention Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities has been established to elevate the role and contributions of these groups. The body aims to promote greater environmental democracy, with women and youth expertise being reflected in its work.

Who benefits from neighborhood parks?

A new study found that public greenspaces are lacking in many American communities, with some groups facing significant barriers to access. The research highlights the need for more inclusive park planning and distribution to ensure equal benefits for all residents.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2025

Capturing language change through the genes

Researchers discovered that languages from different continents and populations become more similar after contact, with rates of borrowing ranging from 4-9%. The team found that linguistic features are not consistently transferable, challenging long-held assumptions about language learning.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 29, 2025

Kyoto conundrum: More hotels than households exist in ancient capital

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals six neighborhood-units in Kyoto's southeastern area have a disrupted balance between residences and accommodations, with hotspot locations near transportation hubs. Effective zoning policies are recommended to address overtourism's adverse social effects.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2025

Smoke from US wildfires, prescribed burns caused premature deaths, billions in health damages

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 8, 2025

“Significant proportion” of world’s rural population missing from global estimates, says study

A new study from Aalto University found that global population datasets may underestimate rural populations by as much as 53% to 84%, revealing a systematic and profound extent of the bias. The findings have far-reaching consequences, suggesting that the needs of people living in rural areas have been under-represented in decision-maki...

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2025

Gentrification can leave residents feeling powerless and alienated in their own neighborhood, research shows

A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalThe Developing Economies·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2024

When the last pit is closed

Researchers investigate four European regions experiencing demographic decline, exploring how relationships between generations and places change over time. The study uses participant observation and participatory action research methods to gather insights from families and local residents.

Autism screening tool goes global

A new autism screening tool, Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC), has been successfully adapted for a Spanish-speaking population in Ecuador. The study found that ADEC can be used to identify children with high likelihood of developing autism, providing a cost-effective way to improve early diagnosis and support.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Future climate impacts put whale diet at risk

A new study predicts that future climate change will disrupt humpback whales' krill-heavy diet, as their primary prey item Antarctic krill becomes less abundant. The research found that all tested whale populations relied on Antarctic krill, which is essential for their migratory lifestyle.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMay 22, 2024

Marginalized communities developed 'disaster subculture' when living through extreme climate events, study finds

Residents in a Seoul, South Korea neighborhood have developed a 'disaster subculture' due to frequent extreme heat and cold, showing social welfare has a role to play in addressing climate issues. The study highlights the importance of understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities to address their specific needs.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalInternational Journal of Social Welfare·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2024

Study details effects of heat-related emergencies; vulnerable populations found to be most at risk

A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that nearly one-quarter of US counties had high heat-related emergency activation rates, with the South, Midwest, and Southwest being most affected. Vulnerable communities already at risk for cardiovascular disease were found to be particularly hard hit.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 19, 2024